If Apple Music Lossless is missing or not playing as expected, check the device’s Lossless setting and the quality option for streaming or downloads, then check how audio is connected. Apple says Bluetooth connections do not support lossless audio. A wired output may be enough for standard Lossless; higher sample rates can require an external DAC, depending on the device.
1. Turn on Lossless Audio and check the quality setting
Apple Music has separate controls for audio quality and for streaming or downloads. After enabling Lossless Audio, confirm the relevant quality option too. Menu names can vary by operating system version and language.
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- iPhone or iPad: Open Settings > Apps > Music > Audio Quality, then turn on Lossless Audio. Check the quality choices for streaming and downloads.
- Mac: In the Music app, open Music > Settings > Playback (called Preferences in some versions) and enable Lossless audio. Check the relevant streaming or download choice.
- Android: In Apple Music, open More > Settings > Audio Quality and check the Lossless and quality options.
- Windows: In Apple Music, open Sidebar Actions > Settings > Playback and check the playback quality options.
Apple’s instructions for settings and playback requirements are in About lossless audio in Apple Music.
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Apple states that Bluetooth connections do not support lossless audio. Bluetooth headphones and speakers can still play the track, but the Bluetooth connection is not lossless. To check lossless transmission, try a wired connection to headphones, a receiver, or powered speakers, or use the device’s built-in speakers where supported.
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3. Match the selected quality to the device’s capabilities
Apple Music Lossless supports up to 24-bit/48 kHz. Hi-Res Lossless supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Selecting a higher resolution does not mean every device and output path can play it natively.
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- iPhone and iPad: Apple says an external digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) is required for sample rates above 48 kHz.
- Mac: Apple says 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models support native playback up to 96 kHz. Other Mac computers need an external DAC above 48 kHz.
- Windows and Android: Apple notes that an external DAC is needed above 48 kHz; whether one is required depends on the device, so consult its manufacturer guidance.
You do not need a DAC for every form of Lossless. For standard Lossless at or below 48 kHz, a supported built-in or wired output may be sufficient. A DAC is relevant when the selected sample rate exceeds what the device’s audio path supports.
4. Replace downloads made before Lossless was enabled
Enabling Lossless does not convert a track that was already downloaded in a different quality. Apple’s remedy for a downloaded Apple Music track is to delete it, enable Lossless for the device, and download the track again from the Apple Music catalogue.
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- Delete the downloaded track from the device.
- Turn on Lossless Audio and choose the desired download quality in the device’s Music or Apple Music settings.
- Find the track in the Apple Music catalogue and download it again.
This applies to previously downloaded music; it is not a general fix for streaming interruptions.
5. Check whether the track is available in Lossless
Apple lists these content types as unavailable in Lossless:
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- Broadcast radio.
- Live radio and on-demand content from Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country.
- Music videos.
A Lossless badge should not be expected for those items.
6. Consider data use and storage
Apple warns that Lossless streaming over cellular or Wi-Fi uses significantly more data, and Lossless downloads take significantly more device storage. Higher resolutions use more data than lower ones. Apple does not give a universal per-hour data estimate, so actual usage depends on the selected quality and listening time.
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If it still does not work
If the setting, selected quality, output connection, device capability, download, and content type all check out, use current Apple Support guidance for the specific device and issue. Apple’s published Lossless instructions do not establish one universal fix for app crashes, account or subscription problems, network interruptions, or model-specific audio-routing faults.
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